Over the past several months, I have been hearing more and more orchestras performing the symphonies composed by Gustav Mahler. The most notable recent performance was by The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.
I’ve listened to some of the symphonies played by a variety of orchestras, but I’m not a fan.
His music stresses me out.
I know that music should express many different emotions and with his background of hardship, it should not be surprising.
ClassicNet explains his music briefly with this introduction.
Having lived a divided life of triumph and heartbreak, of optimism and hopelessness, it is only fitting that the music of Gustav Mahler portrays such conflict and arouses varying reactions in listeners, from fierce adoration to outright dislike.
Unfortunately, I am on the “outright dislike” side.
Mahler lived from 1860-1911 in Europe and the United States. Dying at the age of 50, his tenth symphony was unfinished.
His lasting legacy is as a composer of 9 monumental symphonies, now considered to be the culminating symphonies of the romantic era.Â
I like music to relax and to reflect—not to make me angry, stressed, and agitated. This is what Mahler’s music does with its rhythms and harmonization everything makes my stomach turn into a ball of knots.
Am I an expert—by all means…No. But, I know what I like and dislike. I’m not sure why Mahler is so popular now—but I’m ready for the trend to pass.